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MEN'S LACROSSE: GAME SUMMARIES (2006)
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TWICE AS NICE (4/30/06)
For the third year in a row, the Bucs entered the LSA Div. B
playoffs as the number one seed. For the second year in a row,
the Bucs punched their ticket to the National Tournament to be
held in the Lone Star State next week.
On Sunday, the Bucs squared off against the St. Edward's
Hilltoppers, a team that has vastly improved over last year, and
gave the Bucs one of their toughest games of the '06 season in
Austin earlier this year. Credit must be given to the Hilltoppers
as they are extremely intense and a very talented team, and have a
very deserving Coach of the Year. The first game was a nail biter
until the end. The Bucs were prepared for anything this time.
Both teams came out with an intensity that was extremely high
throughout most of the first quarter. The Bucs drew first blood
with a great shot by D-man Alex Gette at the 10:30 mark. St. Ed's
answered back on a rebounded save to tie the score at 1 with a
little over 4 minutes left in the first. Southwestern made the
best of the rest of the time, however, by controlling the clock
and getting a great shot by BIG Bryson Wersonske with just 3
seconds left in the quarter. Bryson was unable to play in the
first meeting between the two teams and had a huge impact on this
one, with 2 goals and 1 assist (and one that was called back
because of an alleged crease violation).
As the second started, St. Ed's tied the game up with 11:20
remaining, only to be followed up by Webb's first goal of the day
just 15 seconds later to take the lead for good. Southwestern was
able to place three more goals in the back of the net with under 5
minutes left in the half to go up 6-2 into half time. Webb added
his second of the day, followed by a rebound shot by Senior Jay
Gupta, who was able to do the same thing in the first meeting
between the two teams. The last goal was by All American
defenseman Cole Claiborn, who decided to get his first ever goal
on the day of the LSA championships with just over 2 minutes
remaining in the half. Two goals, by Bryson and Pritchett, were
called back because of crease violations in the second. But it
only fueled the team even more.
As the third started, the strength of SU began to show. Our
defense was able to shut down the potent St. Ed's attack all
through the third, while scoring 2 more to go into the fourth
leading 8-2. The Bucs made it 9-2 at the 11 minute mark of the
fourth, before St. Ed's scored again. With the final score of 10-
5, Southwestern was able to win its 2nd LSA Div. B Championship in
as many years.
The Bucs were able to control most ground balls, run, run, and run
some more and keep the ball on the offensive side of the field
most of the second half of the game. Derek Sample, injured in the
first game against both teams was all over the field between the
boxes. At times he was running so fast he almost lost his
shorts.All of our face-off men did an excellent job, including
Heath Thompson, who has been finding ways to get on the field as
of late.
Again, our defense (Cole, Gette, and Nelson)played an amazing
game, shutting down St. Ed's leading scorer to no points. Jake
played quite possibly the best game in his career, save the finals
last year against UTA, and everyone else also rose to the
challenge.
As the final horn sounded, the Bucs were able to celebrate at home
in front of the largest crowd of the year, and get presented with
the first ever LSA Div. B trophy (see pictures of Daniel Ehrlich -
aka "Joe Dirt" receiving the trophy).
The road this year has been every bit as hard as last year. The
men have practiced countless hours, run too many miles to count
(and rode a few on the Southwestern Bikes - don't think I didn't
know some of you guys were enjoying rides on the back side of the
campus mile), and endured one of the most collectively demanding
academic semesters I can remember.
While last year the guys truly overachieved, this year the Bucs,
despite the lack of consideration across the nation, are much more
prepared. Furthermore, the team is experienced(most of the team
went to nationals last year) and much deeper in every position.
Playing against San Diego last year was an eye opener for the team
as to what the next level is. The Bucs have spent a lot of time
trying to produce a better game on the field this year. The
results so far have been very promising.
They are excited to get to play any team at nationals and are
looking forward to the first round match up against the Montana
Grizzlies, a team that has been dominant the past couple of years
on a national level in Div. B.
As the guys said after the game, now the work is done. It is now
time to have fun playing lacrosse at the highest level against top
caliber teams.
We would like to thank all of the parents, students, and the
Intramural/Rec Dept. for their unyielding support over this past
year. Specifically for allowing us to host the Championships and
making it one of the most successful Tournaments ever in our
league. The fact we were able to win and do it at home was simply
icing on the cake.
With three games against top nationally ranked opponents remaining
at Nationals, the Bucs are primed to bring home a win or two. We
hope you will continue to follow the team as we head off into the
sunset of the season. The best feeling is knowing you have gone
as far as you can go. The 2006 Southwestern Bucs have worked
hard, and more importantly, earned the right to go as far as
collegiate club lacrosse will allow them to go for the second year
in a row.
Stay Tuned for updates from Dallas/Plano next week. One thing is
for certain. Th 3 hour drive will be much nicer than the 23 and a
half hour one that we took last year.
- Bill Bowman
 Back to Men's Schedule/Results (2006)
Back to Men's Lacrosse Home
Back to Lacrosse Home
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